Barton Playgroup

Inspection of Barton Playgroup Barton School, School Lane, Barton, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB23 7BD

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children and parents arrive at the playgroup and are welcomed enthusiastically by friendly staff who know them well. Children are keen to take part in activities and enjoy a good range of well-presented resources. Children show curiosity as they watch 'gloop' falling between their fingers. They concentrate and persevere as they turn puzzle pieces around until they all fit. Children show good imagination as they pour and tip water into containers and funnels and say they are 'making potions'. Children have opportunities to build on their previous learning. For example, after a recent visit to the local farm for tractor rides, they enthusiastically play in the 'mechanic workshop'. They use a tick list to identify the different parts of the tractor and attach the charging leads to 'charge the battery'.

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The provision is good

Children behave well. They understand the playgroup's boundaries and follow staff's instructions willingly. They understand that they need to share resources and take turns. Older children confidently say, 'Please can I have a go after you?' Children often work together to complete tasks. For example, they join in to help their friends fill a large bucket with sand. Children demonstrate mature language skills. They happily chat together about their experiences, such as travelling to the airport to go on holiday.

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need to do better?

n Children's progress is carefully monitored and reviewed by the dedicated manager, who is passionate about what she does. She plans precisely targeted learning opportunities to challenge and promote each child's future learning. As a result, children are happy, keen to join in, and develop good knowledge and skills in all areas of learning. n Some aspects of teaching are outstanding. For example, staff challenge children to think for themselves to consider the differences between wood and plastic, to help children identify the material of a plastic crate. However, other aspects of teaching are not. For example, sometimes during group activities, staff do not encourage all children to participate. As a result, some children miss out on their learning. n Strong links have been established with local schools. On the day of inspection, children visited the nearby school. They enthusiastically played with the

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need to do better?

resources and chatted confidently to teachers and older children. At the playgroup, children learn letter sounds, develop number skills and begin to write their names. As a result, children are very well prepared to start school. n Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. They support children effectively to understand the impact of their behaviour on others. For example, children are familiar with the phrase 'Is my fun, fun for everyone?' to help them think about their own behaviour.

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need to do better?

13 July 2022 n Staff support children's communication well. They talk to children constantly throughout the day. Staff listen attentively, ask questions and introduce new vocabulary, such as 'ripe' as children eat their fruit at snack time. As a result, children become very confident communicators. n Staff skilfully support children's mathematical development. For example, as children play, staff encourage them to identify the shapes of objects and resources. During everyday activities, such as snack time or lining up, children join in enthusiastically with staff to count how many children there are. n Children develop an understanding of the similarities and differences that they share. Staff ask parents to tell them about celebrations and events from home that are important to their family. Children learn about these in a variety of ways, such as role play and craft activities. This helps children develop a sense

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need to do better?

of belonging and gain an understanding of what makes them unique and different. n The staff and committee have high expectations. They share an ambitious vision to provide an outstanding experience for all children at the playgroup. However, they have not ensured that all staff receive focused and highly effective professional development to ensure their knowledge and skills develop continually. n Parents are keen to share their positive views about the playgroup. They say that staff are very supportive and make them feel welcome and included. Parents appreciate the detailed information they receive about their children's learning and development, including how they can support learning at home.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The staff understand their responsibilities to safeguard and protect children. They know how to identify the possible signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of harm. They know how to monitor and report any concerns about children's safety and well-being effectively. Suitability checks are appropriately completed for all staff and committee members. The manager recognises the importance of conducting risk assessments of the environment and when on outings. This helps to assure children's welfare.

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should:

n review the already good practice more closely to raise the quality of teaching to the highest level n consider ways to ensure all staff receive focused and highly effective professional development opportunities, and monitor the impact this has on the quality of teaching and children's learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 221740 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10113207 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 17 Name of registered person Barton Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Telephone number 07762487650 Date of previous inspection 13 July 2015

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Information about this early years setting

Barton Playgroup registered in 1994 and is managed by a committee of parents. The playgroup employs two members of staff, both of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or 3. The playgroup opens during term time from 9am until midday, Monday to Friday, and for one afternoon session on a Tuesday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. An optional lunch club is available, Monday to Friday from midday until 1pm. The playgroup runs a toddler group every Monday from 1.30pm until 3pm, during term time. The provider receives funding to provide free early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n Children and staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff and committee members.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

13 July 2022 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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